If you experience cramps or burning while urinating or observe changes in your pee, including odor, blood, or cloudiness, you might have a urinary tract infection. As per the National Institutes of Health, UTIs are the most prevalent infection in the United States. About half of women experience at least one UTI over their lifetime. Men are also vulnerable, albeit their longer ureters safeguard them from germs and other infections in the urinary tract. How do you tell if you have a UTI in Midwood, NY? Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC, suggests looking out for the following symptoms:

·         Constant, strong need to urinate

·         Colored (brown, pink, or red) urine

·         Constant urination, passing tiny volumes of urine

·         Urine with an unusual odor

·         Burning feeling while urinating

·         Hazy or bloody urine

·         Pressure or discomfort in your pelvis, lower back, or abdomen

·         Chills, fatigue, or fever

The majority of UTIs could be treated with antibiotics. If you do not manage a UTI, it could develop and create significant, even life-threatening medical problems.

Some UTIs are asymptomatic. Suppose you have a history of UTIs, monitoring your health with regular visits at Dr. Gregory Shifrin. In that case, OB/GYN PC will help keep infections at bay, safeguard your organs’ health, and reduce your susceptibility to chronic UTIs.

If you are experiencing symptoms, seek help as soon as possible. The following are some of the consequences of an unaddressed UTI:

Kidney Damage

UTI-causing bacteria could infiltrate your body via your urethra, but they do not always stay there. These bacteria might go up into your bladder, resulting in cystitis, and then up into your kidneys via your ureters.

Pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidneys, can cause irreversible damage. Furthermore, renal impairment increases the chances of hypertension and kidney failure. Expectant mothers with UTIs are also more vulnerable to developing a kidney infection.

Obstetrical Complications

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can spread bacteria to your growing fetus, increasing your chances of having a premature baby or low birth weight. If you are expectant, Dr. Gregory Shifrin examines UTIs during your regular prenatal checkups.

Narrowing of the Urethra

Although more prevalent in males, an unresolved UTI in your urethra could create scarring, which might develop into an illness known as a stricture. This condition causes constriction of your urethra, rendering it harder to pass urine. Common symptoms include soreness, a reduced stream, discomfort, and the inability to empty your bladder completely.

Sepsis

Whenever a UTI infection is not treated, it could grow into your circulation and travel across the body, harming all your organs and resulting in sepsis, a life-threatening illness. With sepsis, you might notice symptoms like dizziness, fever, confusion, and chills. It disrupts your organs’ regular, healthy operation and might compel them to shutter.

How to Avoid A UTI?

Dr. Gregory Shifrin recommends the following measures to prevent a UTI:

·         Constant hydrating

·         Completely empty your bladder

·         Passing urine every time you feel the need

·         Donning cotton underwear

·         Cleaning your genitals before intercourse and urinating thereafter

·         To avoid transferring fecal bacteria to your bladder, clean from the front to back

In addition, women should take the following precautionary measures:

·         Avoid using perfumed products, douches, or hygiene sprays

·         Avoid using pads or pantyliners regularly

·         If you have a history of UTIs, avoid using unlubricated condoms, spermicides, or diaphragms. Rather, talk to your doctor about other contraceptive options

Do not dismiss the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection. To keep your bladder, urethra, and kidneys free of UTIs and healthy, call the office of Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC, or book an appointment online right away.